The Buzz & Beyond

  Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Legacy of Controversy and Tribute The state of Indian politics has deteriorated to such an extent that even the passing of a former Prime Minister could not escape controversy. Dr. Manmohan Singh, a renowned economist and former Prime Minister of India, passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 92. Tributes poured in from all corners, yet many eulogies sparked debates over his legacy—both celebrated and critiqued. A Mixed Legacy: Praise and Criticism In Indian tradition, it is considered inappropriate to speak ill of the deceased. However, this does not justify exaggerated eulogies that distort reality. While Dr. Singh’s virtues as a kind and ethical person are undeniable, a fair assessment of his political journey requires acknowledgment of both his successes and failures. Dr. Singh’s decency and strong ethical grounding were often seen as his greatest assets, but in politics, they became vulnerabilities. He was widely regarded as a capable economist ...

Punjab is on the brink of a significant demographic transformation, one that threatens the cultural and religious balance that has defined the region for centuries. The political strategies of parties like AAP and Congress, centered around vote bank politics, are accelerating this shift. If left unchecked, Hindus and Sikhs, the two predominant communities in Punjab, could soon find themselves in the minority. Unforatunately, this is the scenario in the whole of India, not only in Punjab.  The change is being driven by a two-pronged strategy: the Islamization of geography and the Christianization of society . On one hand, there is a concerted effort to convert large segments of the Dalit community to Christianity, aided by foreign funds and local political parties' patronage, particularly, the Congress party. On the other, Muslims are being resettled in areas where there was previously little to no Muslim presence. While natural migration or upward social mobility is understandable...

பாரதியின் ஞானப் பாடல்கள் பாரதி ஒரு தன்னுணர்வு கவிஞன். இன்று நாம் FBயில் ஒரு பதிவிட்ட பின் பல பேர்களை டேக் செய்கிறோம். லைக்கும் கமெண்டும் வரவில்லையென்றால் சோர்வடைகிறோம். நம்முடைய பதிவு நன்றாக இல்லாவிடினும், யாரவது அதை சொன்னால் கோபம் கொள்கிறோம். ஆனால் பாரதியோ அப்படியல்ல. "எமக்கு தொழில் கவிதை" என்றான். இருந்தும் அவனுடைய கவிதைகளை யார் படிக்கின்றார்கள் என்று கூட அறிய வாய்ப்பற்று போனான். feedback அல்லது பின்னூட்டம் பற்றிய கவலைகள் இல்லாது கவிதை புனைவதையே தொழிலெனக் கொண்டவன். பாராட்டையும் ஏசல்களையும் மறப்போம், யாராவது படிக்கிறார்களா என்று கூட தெரியாத போதும் கவிதை பாடுவதை அவன் நிறுத்தவில்லை. அவனது கவிதைகளை படிக்க படிக்க ஞானம் நம்முள் ஊற்றெடுக்கிறது. ஒவ்வொரு முறையும் புதிய பொருளை உணரும் வண்ணம் அவனது கவிதைகள் புனையப்பெற்றன. அவநதய ஞானப் பாடல்கள் பற்றி கொஞ்சம் பேசுவோம். (அலச என்னிடம் அறிவில்லை). பாரதி ஒரு பன்முகக் கவிஞன். நாட்டுப் பற்று, மொழி்ப் பற்று, சமயப் பற்று இவற்றிற்கு விரோதமி்ல்லாத வகையில் அனைத்து உலக மக்களையும் அனைத்து மொழிகளையும், அனைத்துச் சமயங்களையும் நேசிக்கும் பண்பு, சொல் புதி...

Ravichandran Ashwin's sudden retirement has sent shockwaves through Indian cricket. While his eventual retirement was anticipated, it was widely expected he would continue playing for at least another year. Many feel the BCCI failed to give him the farewell he deserved. A persistent myth has surrounded Ashwin's career: the false notion that he underperforms and takes fewer wickets overseas compared to India. This criticism is particularly ironic given the inconsistent performances of several current Indian batsmen who consistently retain their places despite poor form. In contrast, Ashwin, arguably the world's best spinner, has constantly faced scrutiny. A comparison highlights this disparity: over a five-year period, while Virat Kohli averaged 32 with the bat, Ashwin averaged 21.09. His bowling strike rate of 20.89 further emphasizes his value as a bowling all-rounder, consistently maintaining a batting average close to or above his bowling average. This consistency over 1...

 Fasting, a practice deeply rooted in Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma, is a spiritual and disciplined activity embraced by many. Observed on specific days of the week or during festivals, fasting involves abstaining from food entirely, consuming fruits, or adhering to a simple diet once a day. Some even go to the extent of not drinking water during their fasting period. In Sanskrit, fasting is called  Vrat , which conveys meanings like promise, resolve, devotion, and commitment, though it has no exact translation. Significance and Purpose of Fasting Fasting is undertaken for various reasons: Spiritual Purification : It is seen as a way to cleanse the soul and rejuvenate the inner body. Self-Discipline : Fasting fosters self-control and mental focus. Devotion : It is a means to please Bhagwan (God) and deepen one's connection with the divine. Another term for fasting in Sanskrit is  Upavaas . "Upa" means near, and "Vaasa" means stay, signifying "staying cl...